Director of Major and Planned Gifts

Director of Major and Planned Gifts

Position Summary

The philosophy of balancing equity and successful donor cultivation at our organization is at the heart of our mission, which is deeply intertwined with the principles of equity and the advancement of ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed).

As the Director of Major and Planned Gifts, you will use your experience in fundraising and your passion for centering people to make a meaningful impact by securing, stewarding, and retaining transformational gifts that will shape the future of the organization and reinforce its commitment to equity and ALICE.

You will develop strategies, centering our commitment to equity and community collaboration, to meet the annual fundraising goals and play a critical role in driving our fundraising efforts to new heights, cultivating and stewarding relationships with our most generous donors. With a proven track record of success in securing six- and seven-figure gifts, you will inspire, lead, and mentor our team of gift officers to reach their full potential.

As the Director of Major and Planned Gifts, you will have the opportunity to work with a talented and dedicated team, collaborate with executive leadership, and build partnerships with philanthropic leaders across the region. This is a strategic leadership position working closely with senior staff and board members to develop and implement innovative fundraising strategies that will propel our mission forward.

This is a hybrid role (three days in person) located out of the Kalamazoo office. Routine travel within the region is required.

• Contribute to an equitable, diverse and inclusive organizational culture that centers people in every solution, process and function.
• Develop and implement a donor cultivation strategy that aligns our equity framework, mission, and strategic priorities.
• Manage and develop an effective team that promotes equity, diversity, and inclusion. Partner with Leadership Team to support and cultivate staff to have the required skills needed to further the organization's mission.

• Develop and execute strategies to identify, research, cultivate and solicit qualified prospects for mid-level, major and planned gifts in collaboration with the RDMO and the Executive Leadership Team.
• Set the vision and direction for the team's major and mid-level fundraising team, including strategies and goals for current and prospective donors.
• Participate in the development, management and monitoring of department goals and objectives supporting the organization's strategic plan.
• Expand and grow donor base beyond historic United Way corporate campaign participants.

• Cultivate relationships with individual donors and prospects, through personal visits and other forms of direct personal contact in accordance with performance targets.
• Develop and implement year-round engagement strategies for all donors above $5,000.
• Working with leadership and other Resource Development team members, create a plan and set goals for each donor in the portfolio based on past giving history, engagement level, propensity, and affinity. The plan will serve as the foundational communications and marketing plan for each person the caseload.
• Ensure the timely execution of mid-level and major gifts donor plans, using the Veritus model.

• Responsible for establishing UWSCMI Legacy Society program to grow revenue from planned gifts as well developing relationships with the Planned Giving community.

• Maintain accurate donor and prospect records in the CRM system.
• Document substantive donor interactions, ensure confidentiality of sensitive information, and provide progress reports as requested.

• Collaborate with the communications, marketing, grants teams to develop compelling donor prospects and stewardship reports.
• Partner with finance and programs teams to obtain information on the use of donor funds and communicate outcomes to donors.